Marquardt Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by AFSCME Council 31

Note: the original text included two different statements about the number of awards (it says both “two winners” and “three scholarships”). I’ve provided two versions below—Option A follows the “two winners” wording, Option B follows the “three scholarships” wording. Please tell me which you prefer if you want a single final version.

Option A — (Two winners)
Intro
Union membership helps families plan for a stronger future. AFSCME members and their relatives can apply for annual scholarship assistance through AFSCME Council 31 to help meet college or vocational school expenses.

About the Larry Marquardt Scholarship
The Larry Marquardt Scholarship honors Larry Marquardt, the first executive director of Council 31 and a committed union organizer who worked until his death in 1980 to improve conditions for working people. In his memory, Council 31 maintains a scholarship fund to support members and their children pursuing higher education.

Who may apply
- Applicants must be either an AFSCME Council 31 member in good standing (minimum one year) or a dependent child or child living in the household of a Council 31 member or retiree.
- Eligible students include high school seniors or college students under age 25, or Council 31 members of any age who intend to enroll full time and work toward an undergraduate degree or a diploma at an accredited college or vocational school.
- Candidates must meet the admission requirements of the school they plan to attend.

Award amount
Two winners will each receive $3,000.

How to apply
Download the application at www.afscme31.org by clicking “AFSCME Scholarships” on the left side of the homepage. Complete all sections and mail the packet to:
AFSCME Council 31 — Scholarship Fund
205 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60601
(Attention: Scholarship Fund)
All fields must be completed and information is kept confidential.

Selection criteria
The Selection Committee will evaluate applications based on:
- Financial need
- High school or college grades and class rank (submit transcripts or official documentation)
- Vocational or educational goals as described on the application
- A 300-word essay on “Why the Labor Movement Is Important to Workers Today”

Selection process
Grades and class ranking should be included with the application. Final decisions are made by the Selection Committee; each applicant will be notified of the outcome.

Payment of awards
Scholarship funds are paid in two installments: half at the start of the first term and the balance at the start of the second term. Payments require proof of acceptance and registration for the applicable term.

Other scholarship opportunities
Consider these additional programs:
- AFSCME Family Scholarship
- Chicago Federation of Labor’s William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship
- Other AFSCME member scholarship programs (see website for details)

Deadline
Completed applications must be received by 4:00 p.m. on the published due date. Early submission is encouraged.

Option B — (Three scholarships)
Intro
Union membership gives workers and their families tools to pursue better opportunities. AFSCME Council 31 offers annual scholarship aid so members and their children can continue their education.

About the Larry Marquardt Scholarship
Named for Larry Marquardt—the first executive director of Council 31 and a lifelong union organizer who served until his death in 1980—this scholarship provides financial assistance to help AFSCME members and their dependents attend college or vocational school.

Who may apply
- Applicants must be a Council 31 member in good standing for at least one year, or a dependent child or child living in the household of a Council 31 member or retiree.
- Eligible students include high school seniors or college students under age 25, or Council 31 members of any age planning to attend school full time for an undergraduate degree or vocational diploma at an accredited institution.
- Applicants must satisfy the admission requirements of their chosen school.

Award amount
Three scholarships of $3,000 each will be awarded for the school year.

How to apply
The application is available at www.afscme31.org via the “AFSCME Scholarships” link on the left side of the homepage. Complete the form and mail to:
AFSCME Council 31 — Scholarship Fund
205 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 2100
Chicago, IL 60601
(Attention: Scholarship Fund)
All application items must be filled out; submissions are treated confidentially.

Selection criteria
The Selection Committee will review applications with attention to:
- Demonstrated financial need
- Academic performance (high school or college grades and class ranking — include transcripts)
- Stated vocational or educational goals on the application
- A required 300-word essay on “Why the Labor Movement Is Important to Workers Today”

Selection process
Please include grades and class rank with your packet. The Selection Committee makes final award decisions and will notify every applicant of the result.

Payment of awards
Awards are disbursed in two installments: 50% at the start of the first term and the remaining 50% at the start of the second term, contingent on receipt of proof of acceptance and registration.

Other scholarship opportunities
Also explore:
- AFSCME Family Scholarship
- Chicago Federation of Labor’s William A. Lee Memorial Scholarship
- Additional AFSCME member scholarship programs (details on the website)

Deadline
Completed applications must reach Council 31 by 4:00 p.m. on the stated deadline. Early applications are recommended.

If you want a single unified rewrite, tell me whether to use the “two winners” or “three scholarships” award language and I’ll produce a final polished version.